Galactic Core-Collapse Supernovae at IceCube: "Fire Drill" Data Challenges and follow-up

TL;DR

This paper discusses IceCube's readiness and strategies, including 'fire drill' data challenges, for detecting and responding to the rare but critical Galactic core-collapse supernovae through neutrino observations.

Contribution

It introduces IceCube's sensitivity to Galactic CCSNe and details operational strategies and coordination with the SNEWS 2.0 network, including simulated data challenges.

Findings

IceCube can detect Galactic CCSNe neutrino bursts at >10σ significance.

Operational 'fire drill' data challenges improve detector readiness.

Coordination with SNEWS 2.0 enhances early warning capabilities.

Abstract

The next Galactic core-collapse supernova (CCSN) presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make astrophysical measurements using neutrinos, gravitational waves, and electromagnetic radiation. CCSNe local to the Milky Way are extremely rare, so it is paramount that detectors are prepared to observe the signal when it arrives. The IceCube Neutrino Observatory, a gigaton water Cherenkov detector below the South Pole, is sensitive to the burst of neutrinos released by a Galactic CCSN at a level $>$10$\sigma$. This burst of neutrinos precedes optical emission by hours to days, enabling neutrinos to serve as an early warning for follow-up observation. IceCube's detection capabilities make it a cornerstone of the global network of neutrino detectors monitoring for Galactic CCSNe, the SuperNova Early Warning System (SNEWS 2.0). In this contribution, we describe IceCube's sensitivity to Galactic CCSNe and strategies for operational readiness, including "fire drill" data challenges. We also discuss coordination with SNEWS 2.0.